Choosing between gel and foam insoles is not simply a matter of the material name. Compare the complete composition, the way layers are arranged and the room taken up inside your shoes. Some models, including IMPACT+, combine both.
What the material name tells you
Foam
Check the type of foam and the layers described. “PU foam” is more specific than “cushioned”, but it does not, by itself, give thickness, firmness or the feel inside your shoes. Not all foam is memory foam, and two products using the same material can have different construction.
Gel
Check whether it is a layer, surface or localised area. The word does not mean the whole insole is gel. A photograph's colour is not enough to establish composition. A section that feels soft under your fingers does not prove that the complete insole will be more comfortable when walking.
Combined materials
A combined model is not automatically better. Compare its construction and features with those of the alternatives.
Five useful comparison points
| Feature | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Composition | Are the materials and layers identified? |
| Volume | Is there still room for your foot in the intended shoe? |
| Shape | Do the outline, heel and arch position suit you? |
| Size and trimming | Does the size fit, and which areas may be trimmed? |
| Care | Do the washing and drying instructions suit your routine? |
Ask about missing information before choosing. Do not estimate thickness from a photograph. A cushioning claim is not a comparable measurement: a claim that one product absorbs more impact requires suitable comparative testing.
Compare with your actual shoes
For standing at work: similar materials can still come in different shapes. Check space and instructions. See our guide for standing at work.
For close-fitting football boots: liking a material does not mean it fits. Trimming adjusts the outline, not all the volume. See the football boot fit guide.
Do not automatically stack insoles. Follow the shoe and insole instructions to decide whether a removable original should be replaced.
Where do IMPACT+ fit?
Movicore IMPACT+ combine double-layer PU foam and a gel surface. They are washable, trimmable and available in EU sizes 35–48. Compare the whole construction, photographs of both sides and the size guide.
Trimming does not make every combination compatible. Check the fit before a full session. Do not replace prescribed insoles without consulting the professional treating you.
Common questions
Does gel always cushion more?
The material name is not enough to establish that. You need information about the model and testing supporting the comparison.
Does softer mean more support?
Cushioning and support shape are different features. Look at the whole construction.
What if thickness is missing?
Ask for it if it matters for your shoe. Trimming the front cannot solve a lack of height inside the shoe.